New York—The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) today announced updated COVID-19 mask, isolation, and quarantine guidance. These changes in requirements reflect careful deliberation with the State Department of Health (DOH) and alignment with the most recent guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to early care, education, and child care programs.

“As we work to meet the needs of New Yorkers and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Children and Family Services continues to work hand-in-hand with the State Department of Health to ensure our COVID-19 guidelines for child care providers and children are in alignment with the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole. ”With today’s updated guidance and COVID-19 cases on the decline statewide, Governor Hochul and I encourage families to keep taking advantage of the key tools in our fight against the pandemic: testing, safety precautions and treatment.”  

As of March 2, 2022, OCFS no longer requires universal masking in child care programs across New York State, which does not preclude individual municipalities, federal regulators, or individual child care programs from maintaining a masking requirement.

For specific guidance, please visit here.